Skin-Supported Supplements
There are so many factors that contribute to glowing skin, hormones, environmental factors, gut health, genes, the list goes on and on and is specific from person to person.
While we can't control everything around us, we can ensure we do everything in our power to control what is within our control. There are several supplements that support hormone balance (if hormonal breakouts are your concern), gut health, and overall skin health:
Vitamin A - the main ingredient in topical retinol/retinoids (prescription strength known as tretinoin), and the famous 'cure all' for acne, accurate (iso-tretinoin), Vitamin A is easily absorbed by the epidermis, controlling sebum production to maintain a balanced pH and clearer pores.
Vitamin B-12 - regulates the production of pigment by helping the body metabolize protein, preventing dark spots and pigmentation left behind from breakouts (PIH & PIE).
Vitamin B-6 - can support hormone balance during the times of the month when estrogen levels are low, mid-cycle, and 3-5 days before menstration.
Vitamin D-3 - calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) helps in cell growth, repair, and metabolism as well as preventing early signs of aging.
Pantothenic Acid - (Vitamin B5) has an anti-inflammatory effect that can help stimulate your skin's natural healing mechanism.
Selenium - fights free radicals that cause skin damage and inflammation caused by ultraviolet rays, stress, poor diet, or lack of minerals.
Zinc - especially helpful for easily-scarred skin, it reduces and maintains inflammation.
Omega-6 - is responsible for the health of cell membranes, which make up a large part of your skin; a healthy cell membrane results in soft, moist, supple and wrinkle-free skin! Omega's are considered essential fatty acids because the body cannot make them on its own.
DIM - blocks androgen receptors so it stops male hormones like testosterone from getting into the receptor, and the negative effects it has on the body (like instigating acne). Taken the week prior to your period can prevent the tightening of the pores, and the excess of sebum thats brought on by a rise in testosterone and a fall in estrogen.
There are several brands that combine many of these supplements (purchasing them individually sometimes results in an excess of each vitamin, and very expensive pee)
Brand Recommendations:
1. ZItSticka, Skin Discipline
2. Ritual Womens Multivitamin
3. HUM
4. Nutrafol, Womens Balance
*As always, do your research and talk to your doctor before adding anything into your routine!